Want to know exactly when the salmon will be running in Alaska this summer? Timing your trip right can mean the difference between a slow day and a fish-filled frenzy. That’s why we created the ultimate 2025 Alaska Salmon Run Tracker—designed to help you plan the perfect trip on the Kenai River or Kasilof River.
At Kenai Fly Fish, we live by the runs. Our guides are dialed into the week-by-week timing, so you’re always fishing at the peak of the action.
How the Salmon Run Works in Alaska
Every summer, millions of Pacific salmon return to their home rivers to spawn—creating one of the greatest natural events on Earth. Different salmon species arrive at different times, and even a few days can make a huge difference in your catch.
Key Species in 2025:
-
Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon) -
Silver Salmon (Coho Salmon)
-
King Salmon – Closed on the Kenai in 2025
Week-by-Week Salmon Run Calendar – Kenai River & Kasilof (2025)
= Peak Run
= Building/Ending Phase
| Week | Sockeye (Kenai) | Silver (Kenai) | Sockeye (Kasilof) | Silver (Kasilof) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 10–16 | Early trickle |
|
Early trickle |
|
| June 17–23 | Steady pickup |
|
Peak 1st run |
|
| June 24–30 | Peak run |
|
Slowing down |
|
| July 1–7 | Peak continues |
|
|
|
| July 8–14 | Huge numbers |
|
|
|
| July 15–21 | Peak ends |
First Silvers |
|
First trickle |
| July 22–28 | Tapering off |
Steady action |
|
Building run |
| July 29–Aug 4 | |
Peak begins |
|
Great action |
| Aug 5–11 | |
Full swing |
|
Peak Silver run |
| Aug 12–18 | |
Continues strong |
|
Steady |
| Aug 19–25 | |
Slowing down |
|
Slowing down |
| Aug 26–Sep 1 | |
Late silvers |
|
Late silvers |
| Sep 2–8 | |
Final days |
|
Final trickle |
Updated weekly during the season for accuracy.
When to Book for Sockeye Salmon
Best Time: Late June – Mid July
Kenai River: Huge numbers of fish, especially around July 1–14
Kasilof River: Slightly earlier peak, great for drift boat experiences Tip: Sockeye trips fill fast—book early!
When to Book for Silver Salmon
Best Time: August 1 – August 20 Kenai River: Great casting opportunities and hard strikes
Kasilof River: Quieter, drift-only water with solid Silver runs Tip: August is the sweet spot for combo trips with trout
What’s Included in Every Kenai Fly Fish Trip
Whether you’re targeting Sockeye in July or Silvers in August, every trip includes:
Licensed, experienced guide All gear, tackle, rods, and waders Drift or power boat access Fish cleaning & prep Custom start times & flexible trip lengths Family-friendly, beginner-welcoming experience
Don’t Just Track the Run—Be Here for It
Watching salmon move upriver is amazing—but being in the water with them is unforgettable. Alaska’s salmon season is short, intense, and totally worth planning for.
Eagles in the trees.
Bears on the banks.
Salmon beneath your feet.
Let Kenai Fly Fish put you at the heart of it all.
Book Your Alaska Salmon Trip Around the Run!
Don’t guess—go with the guides who live by the run timing.
Reserve your spot today before the best weeks are gone!
I’m gearing up to head back to Mex
